Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of pethoxamid herbicide on Allium cepa cells and its molecular docking studies to unravel genotoxicity mechanism

Toxicological assessment of bromoxynil and 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide in combination on Cirrhinus mrigala using multiple biomarker approach

The widespread application of herbicides raises concerns about their impact on non-target aquatic organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of a commercially available herbicide formulation containing Bromoxynil+MCPA (2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) on Cirrhinus mrigala (economically significant fish). A total of 210 juvenile fish were subjected to a triplicate experimental setup, with 70 fish allocated to each replicate, exposed to seven different concentrations of herbicide: 0 mg/L, 0.133 mg/L, 0.266 mg/L, 0.4 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, 0.66 mg/L, and 0.8 mg/L, respectively, for a duration of 96 h. The median lethal concentration (LC50) was determined to be 0.4 mg/L. Significant hematological alterations were observed, including decreases in RBC counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and lymphocyte counts, along with an increase in erythrocyte indices. Biochemical analysis revealed elevated levels of neutrophils, WBCs, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP, and glucose in treated groups. Morphological abnormalities in erythrocytes and histopathological changes in gills, liver, and kidneys were noted. Pathological alterations in gills, liver and kidneys including epithelial cell uplifting, lamellar fusion, hepatolysis, and renal tubule degeneration were observed. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as TBARS (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance), ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), and POD (Peroxides) activity increased, while antioxidant enzymatic activities decreased as toxicant doses increased from low to high concentrations. The study reveals that Bromoxynil+MCPA significantly disrupts physiological and hematobiochemical parameters in Cirrhinus mrigala, which highlights the substantial aquatic risks. In conclusion, the herbicide formulation induced significant alterations in various fish biomarkers, emphasizing their pivotal role in assessing the environmental impact of toxicity. This multi-biomarker approach offers valuable insights regarding the toxicological effects, thereby contributing substantially to the comprehensive evaluation of environmental hazards.

Molecular docking study of frequently used food additives for selected targets depending on the chromosomal abnormalities they cause

Food additives (FAs) (flavor enhancers, sweeteners, etc.) protect foods during storage and transportation, making them attractive to consumers. Today, while the desire to access natural foods is increasing, the chemicals added to foods have started to be questioned. In this respect, genotoxicity tests have gained importance. Studies show that some food additives may have genotoxic risks. Previous studies carried out in our laboratory also revealed genotoxic effects of Monopotassium glutamate (MPG), Monosodium glutamate (MSG), Magnesium diglutamate (MDG) as flavor enhancers; Potassium benzoate (PB), Potassium sorbate (PS), Sodium benzoate (SB), Sodium sorbate (SS) as preservatives; Acesulfame potassium (ACE-K), Xylitol (XYL) as sweeteners. In this study, we determined the interactions of these food additives with ATM and p53 proteins, which are activated in the cell due to genotoxic effects, and with DNA by employing the molecular docking method for the first time. Among the food additives, SB (-4.307) for ATM, XYL (-4.629) for p53, and XYL (-4.927) for DNA showed the highest affinity. Therefore, flexible docking (IFD) scores were determined for SB, XYL, and MDG from flavor enhancers. The potential binding modes of the food additives to target molecules' possible inhibition mechanisms were determined by molecular docking. Thus, new information was obtained to show how these additives cause chromosomal abnormalities.

Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles synthesized using extracts of Agrimonia eupatoria L. and in vitro and in vivo studies of potential medicinal applications

This research explores the synthesis, characterization, and biological activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from acetone (AgNPs-acetone) and aqueous (AgNPs-H2O) extracts of Agrimonia eupatoria. The nanoparticles exhibit isometric morphology and uniform size distribution, as elucidated through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) analyses. The utilization of Scanning Transmission Microscopy (STEM) with High-Angle Annular Dark-Field (HAADF) imaging and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) confirms the crystalline nature of AgNPs. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis reveals identical functional groups in the plant extracts and their corresponding AgNPs, suggesting the involvement of phytochemicals in the reduction of silver ions. Spectrophotometric monitoring of the synthesis process, influenced by various parameters, provides insights into the kinetics and optimal conditions for AgNP formation. The antioxidant activities of the plant extracts and synthesized AgNPs are evaluated through DPPH and ABTS methods, highlighting AgNPs-acetone as a potent antioxidant. Third-instar larvae exposed to the extracts have differential effects on DNA damage, with the acetone extract demonstrating antigenotoxic properties. Similarly, biosynthesized AgNPs-acetone displays antigenotoxic effects against EMS-induced DNA damage. The genotoxic effect of water extract and AgNPs-acetone was dose-dependent. Hemolytic potential is assessed on rat erythrocytes, revealing that low concentrations of AgNPs-acetone and AgNPs-H2O had a nontoxic effect on erythrocytes. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrate time-dependent and dose-dependent effects, with AgNPs-acetone exhibiting superior cytotoxicity. Proapoptotic activity is confirmed through apoptosis induction, emphasizing the potential therapeutic applications of AgNPs. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs reveals concentration-dependent effects. AgNPs-H2O display better antibacterial activity, while antifungal activities are comparable between the two nanoparticle types.

Determination of quizalofop-p-ethyl in onion: residual dissipation pattern, weed control efficiency, and food safety assessment under field conditions

Monitoring pesticide residue levels becomes crucial to maintain quality and guarantee food safety as the consumption of onion green leaves and immature and mature bulbs (either raw or processed) rises. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons with quizalofop-p-ethyl (5% EC) at 50 and 100 g a.i. ha-1 to evaluate weed control efficiency and to determine terminal residues. Post-emergence application of fop herbicide at 100 g a.i. ha-1 kept the weed density and dry weight reasonably at a lower level and enhanced the productivity of onion with higher economic returns. A rapid, sensitive, and analytical method was developed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with excellent linearity (r2 > 0.99). The limit of quantification for quizalofop-p-ethyl was established at 0.04 mg kg-1 with signal to noise (S/N) ratio ≥ 10. The method was successfully applied and initial quantified residues were in the range of 2.5-4.4 mg kg-1 irrespective of seasons and doses. Finally, the presence of targeted herbicide residues in harvested samples was confirmed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) under optimized operating conditions. Dietary risk assessment assured harvested onions were safe for consumption at the recommended dose. It also can be concluded that quizalofop ethyl did not adversely influence soil micro-organisms at standard rates of application.

Sodium Alginate-Based MgO Nanoparticles Coupled Antibiotics as Safe and Effective Antimicrobial Candidates against Staphylococcus aureus of Houbara Bustard Birds

Alternative and modified therapeutic approaches are key elements in culminating antibiotic resistance. To this end, an experimental trial was conducted to determine the cytotoxicity and antibacterial potential of composites of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles and antibiotics stabilized in sodium alginate gel against multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a houbara bustard. The characterization of preparations was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning transmissible electron microscopy (STEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The preparations used in this trial consisted of gel-stabilized MgO nanoparticles (MG), gel-stabilized tylosin (GT), gel-stabilized ampicillin (GA), gel-stabilized cefoxitin (GC), gel-stabilized MgO and tylosin (GMT), gel-stabilized MgO and cefoxitin (GMC), and gel-stabilized MgO and ampicillin (GMA). The study presents composites that cause a lesser extent of damage to DNA while significantly enhancing mitotic indices/phases compared to the other single component preparations with respect to the positive control (methyl methanesulphonate). It was also noted that there was a non-significant difference (p > 0.05) between the concentrations of composites and the negative control in the toxicity trial. Studying in parallel trials showed an increased prevalence, potential risk factors, and antibiotic resistance in S. aureus. The composites in a well diffusion trial showed the highest percentage increase in the zone of inhibition in the case of GT (58.42%), followed by GMT (46.15%), GC (40.65%), GMC (40%), GMA (28.72%), and GA (21.75%) compared to the antibiotics alone. A broth microdilution assay showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the case of GMA (9.766 ± 00 µg/mL), followed by that of GT (13.02 ± 5.64 µg/mL), GMC (19.53 ± 0.00 µg/mL), GA (26.04 ± 11.28 µg/mL), GMT (26.04 ± 11.28 µg/mL), MG (39.06 ± 0.00 µg/mL), and GC (39.06 ± 0.00 µg/mL). The study thus concludes the effective tackling of multiple-drug-resistant S. aureus with sodium-alginate-stabilized MgO nanoparticles and antibiotics, whereas toxicity proved to be negligible for these composites.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic evaluation of bisphenol S on onion root tips by Allium cepa and comet tests

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an analog of bisphenol A, which is used as substitute of BPA in many products like airport luggage tags, baby bottles, plastics, and epoxy resins etc. Bisphenol S can cause toxic effects in different organisms, i.e., mice, rat, zebrafish, and C.elegans, etc. Bisphenol S is also known as "endocrine disruptor" due to its ability to mimic the endocrine receptors. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of bisphenol S on meristematic cells present in onion root tips through Allium cepa (A.cepa) and comet tests. Root growth inhibition was evaluated by root growth inhibition assay. Mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) were assessed by A.cepa assay. DNA damage was evaluated by comet assay. Root growth of A.cepa was inhibited due to bisphenol S. LC50 value calculated by root growth inhibition assay for bisphenol S was (2.6±0.63, 50 μg/ml). Mitotic index was reduced, and chromosomal aberrations were observed, i.e., stickiness, polyploidy, and disturbed ana-telophase in anaphase and telophase stages of mitosis. In case of comet assay, DNA damage was increased in statistically significant manner (p ≤ 0.05). It was concluded that bisphenol S constitutes cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa root meristematic cells. Moreover, it is suggested to explore more toxicity studies of bisphenol S at molecular level.

Evaluation of DNA Damage, Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress, and Status of Antioxidant Enzymes in Freshwater Fish (Labeo rohita) Exposed to Pyriproxyfen

Pyriproxyfen (PPF) mimics a natural hormone in insects and disrupts their growth. It is a well-known synthetic insecticide and aromatic juvenile hormone analog frequently used in agriculture and vegetable crops to control various insect species. At present, scanty information is available about the possible potential threats of PPF in aquatic organisms. Therefore, in this study, different toxico-pathologic endpoints of PPF like DNA damage, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and status of antioxidant enzymes were determined in Labeo rohita (freshwater fish). In our study, 60 active, free from any external obvious ailments, same size, age, and body mass were randomly allocated to four glass aquaria (T0-T3) separately containing 100 L water. The fish present in groups T1, T2, and T3 were administered PPF dissolved in water 300, 600, and 900 μg/L for 30 days. Different tissues including the blood and visceral organs were obtained from each fish on days 10, 20, and 30 of the experiment. Results on various morphological and nuclear changes in red blood cells of PPF-exposed Labeo rohita fish including pear-shaped erythrocytes, spherocytes, red blood cells with a blebbed nucleus, micronucleus, and nuclear remnants were significantly increased. Our results on genotoxicity (comet assay) recorded significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased DNA damage in various tissues of insecticide-exposed fish. The results on oxidative stress profile (reactive oxygen species and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and antioxidant enzymes (reduced glutathione superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) in multiple tissues of Labeo rohita fish concluded significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher quantity of biomarkers of oxidative stress and lower concentrations of different antioxidant enzymes in treated fish. Hence, the findings of our experimental research determine that PPF could induce adverse toxic impacts on multiple tissues of Labeo rohita fish.

Genotoxic assessment of cerium and magnesium nanoparticles and their ionic forms in Eisenia hortensis coelomocytes by alkaline comet assay

The present study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of cerium oxide (CeO₂ ), magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles and their ionic forms by alkaline comet assay. Eisenia hortensis were exposed to different series of concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/ml) of chemicals for 48 h to find LC₅₀ . The LC₅₀ for MgO and CeO₂ NPs were 70 and 80 μg/ml. Whereas, the LC₅₀ for their ionic forms were 50 and 70 μg/ml. To assess the potential DNA damage caused by the chosen chemicals, E. hortensis was further exposed for 48 h to the following concentrations, based on their respective LC_50s : LC_50/2 , LC⁵⁰ , and 2xLC₅₀ . Comet scores demonstrated the significant increase (p < 0.05) in DNA damage at all concentrations, both for NPs and ionic forms in a concentration-dependent manner. Findings of the present study revealed the genotoxic effects of CeO₂ NPs, MgO NPs and their ionic forms on E. hortensis.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Evaluation of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Moringa oleifera on MCF-7 and HUVEC Cell Lines

Nowadays, green synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively investigated to explore their biological potential. They are being explored to treat different infectious and cancerous diseases. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the medicinal plant Moringa oleifera on breast cancer (MCF-7) and HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) cell lines. M. oleifera-mediated AgNPs were synthesized from the M. oleifera extract (MOE) and then characterized through the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–vis spectrophotometer. Biosynthesized AgNPs and MOE were employed on MCF-7 and HUVEC cell lines to evaluate their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. More cytotoxic effects were observed by AgNPs and MOE on MCF-7 cell lines. The IC₅₀ for biosynthesized AgNPs was found to be 5 μg/mL. DNA damage was also observed by the MOE and AgNPs on MCF-7 cell lines. However, non-significant DNA damage was observed by MOE and AgNPs on HUVEC cell lines. The findings of the current study revealed the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of biosynthesized AgNPs on MCF-7 cell lines. However, these AgNPs were considered safe for normal HUVEC cell lines.